LEISURE AND RETAIL A POOL OF SAVINGS


In a well-designed, well-maintained system, combined heat and power (CHP) offers leisure centres a highly-efficient commercial solution to


significant energy and cost savings, says Mark Gibbons, Remeha CHP’s National Sales Manager. Penrith Leisure Centre is a case in point.


When the existing plant began to fail at Penrith Leisure Centre, its owners, Eden District Council (EDC), were keen to implement a high-efficiency solution that would improve the site’s energy performance in line with EDC’s wider environmental commitments. Increasing operational efficiency was a further consideration for GLL who manage the leisure complex.


So far, the centre has seen total primary energy usage fall by an impressive 35% since refurbishing its plant with an ultra-low NOx condensing combined heat and power (CHP) unit in conjunction with high- efficiency condensing boilers.


With two swimming pools at the facility, in addition to a state-of-the- art gym, studios and a sports hall, the leisure centre has high, year-round demand for heat and power, making it well suited to using CHP.


30% savings CHP generates electricity on site at lower gas prices while simultaneously capturing and re-using the ‘waste’ heat to provide high-grade heating or hot water. The extremely efficient on-site generation process can reduce primary energy usage by up to 30% and emissions by up to 20% compared with traditional generation.


In fact, the Centre had previously been heated by a turbine CHP, boilers and water heaters. However, the CHP unit was oversized and failed to achieve the anticipated performance levels, savings benefits and life expectancy.


Mechanical & Electrical engineers Thomas Armstrong recommended replacing the old plant with a new Remeha 20/44kW ultra-low R-Gen condensing CHP unit operating in conjunction with three Remeha Gas 310 Eco Pro high-efficiency condensing boilers to meet the project requirements.


50 | TOMORROW’S FM


Accurate sizing Accurate sizing of the CHP unit was critical to maximise the energy and carbon saving benefits. Remeha’s CHP team worked closely with Thomas Armstrong throughout the project, supporting them with the design and installation, and commissioning the system. Since then, the CHP has been running non-stop.


“The CHP produces 44kW of heat per hour and it’s using it all, even in the summer months,” said Thomas Armstrong’s Stephen Clarkson. “It’s heating the constant temperature circuit, feeding radiators, fan convectors, air handling units, providing hot water for shower facilities and, of course, heating the two swimming pools.”


Specialist care From the outset, Thomas Armstrong were clear of the need to consider the long-term maintenance of the equipment. “A CHP unit is a specialist piece of plant,” Stephen added. “Taking out the service plan gave us peace of mind that we have the support of engineers trained by the manufacturer and who understand the plant they are working on.”


Implementing a long-term service plan optimises CHP running hours and performance, thereby maximising whole-life system efficiency and the related saving benefits.


Remote monitoring is an important component of the service programme, as an estimated 85% of reported CHP faults are able to be corrected and reset remotely. This visualisation also removes any responsibility from the facilities manager to monitor the unit or report on its operation.


“If the unit has stopped working, is in alarm, or the performance drops for any reason, this is picked up within hours and action is taken to rectify


“CHP generates


electricity on site at lower gas prices while


simultaneously capturing and re-using the ‘waste’ heat to provide


high-grade heating or hot water.”


the problem without prolonged downtime,” said Stephen.


Spark spread Back at Penrith Leisure Centre, the Council and GLL are pleased with the smooth running of the CHP. Not only has primary energy usage fallen considerably, but the wide ‘spark spread’ between gas and electricity costs is further boosting the energy cost savings.


For facilities managers looking to improve the energy performance of leisure centres without minimising comfort levels and visitor satisfaction, CHP offers compelling economic advantages.


And as the installation at Penrith Leisure Centre demonstrates, with support from good suppliers and an eye to best practice design, installation and maintenance, the full environmental and commercial benefits of CHP can be reaped.


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